A local Marine was killed last week in California while trying to help a stranded motorists.

Lance Cpl. Alberto Lucio, 20, was a 2019 graduate of DeKalb County High School, where he is listed on the school’s Military Alumni Wall, and was a member of the Security and Emergency Services Battalion at Camp Pendleton in California. His father is a local pastor in the community.

According to the Los Angeles Times, on Monday, December 6, Lucio had stopped on Interstate 5 in Oceanside, CA, after a Ford Edge crashed in the southbound lanes near Las Pulgas Road about 3:20 a.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, the vehicle was in the traffic lanes without its lights on as Lucio assisted the driver and a passenger. A box truck then careened the disabled SUV, striking Lucio. He died at the scene.

Lucio had been awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. In a statement, battalion commanding officer Col. John Black said Lucio “performed a noble and selfless act” when he stopped to provide “critical aid to a person in need.”

“Lance Cpl. Lucio gave his life in the service of others. His actions epitomized servant leadership and personified the very best in our emergency services personnel,” Black said. “Please honor Lance Cpl. Lucio’s memory through your actions, words and deeds.”

The SUV driver, a 36-year-old man, and his passenger, a 31-year-old woman, suffered major injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

CHP Sgt. Nicole Pacheco said the SUV driver remained hospitalized and is expected to be booked into jail when he is released from the hospital. Charges will be announced when he is arraigned.